The Z9’s deep sidecut makes it one of the group’s best carvers, while its mellow flex makes it the easiest skier of the bunch. Vibration-absorbing materials keep it calm and collected, yet it still has the guts to carve on ice. gripes: The wide tip gets hooky in crud and powder. props: Snaps through short and medium turns while maintaining smooth, steady contact with the snow. tester’s take: "A spark plug that fires dependably turn after turn." —Pete Webber